
Pass 3 X S3 5.1 
Book-,/l^JZ 



' RITUAL 



OF THE 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

SOUTH. 



PUBLISHED BY JOHN EARLY, 

FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH. 

1851. 



DAW! 
ft** 



In Exchange 
Duko University 
JUL 1 2 1933 



re 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

BAPTISM OF INFANTS 7 



BAPTISM OF ADULTS 13 

ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER ... 25 

SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY 43 

BURIAL OF THE DEAD . . . 57 

ORDINATION OF BISHOPS 67 

ORDINATION OF ELDERS . 83 

ORDINATION OF DEACONS . v ...... 104 



THE ORDER 



FOR THE 



MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM. 



I 






THE MINISTRATION 



OF 



BAPTISM TO INFANTS 



If The Minister, coming to the Font, tvhich is to be filled 
with pare Water, shall use the follovring : — 

PkEARLY beloved, forasmuch as 
-■^ all men are conceived and born 
in sin, and that our Saviour Christ 
saith, None can enter into the king- 
dom of God, except he be regenerate 
and born anew of water and of the 
Holy Ghost; I beseech you to call 
upon God the Father, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, that of His boun- 
teous mercy He will grant to this 
child that thing which by nature he 



8 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 

cannot have ; that he may be baptized 
with water and the Holy Ghost, and 
received into Christ's holy Church, 
and be made a lively member of the 
same. 

IT Then shall the Minister sat/, 

Let us pray. 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, 
who of thy great mercy didst save 
Noah and his family in the ark from 
perishing by water; and also didst 
safely lead the children of Israel, thy 
people, through the Red Sea, figur- 
ing thereby thy holy baptism : and by 
the baptism of thy well-beloved Son 
Jesus Christ in the river Jordan, didst 
sanctify water for this holy sacrament. 
We beseech thee, for thine infinite 
mercies, that thou wilt look upon this 
child : wash him and sanctifv him with ' 
the Holy Ghost; that he, being deli- 
vered from thy wrath, may be received 



BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 9 

into the ark of Christ's Church, and 
being steadfast in faith, joyful through 
hope, and rooted in love, may so pass 
the waves of this troublesome world, 
that finally he may come to the land 
of everlasting life ; there to reign with 
thee, world without end, through Je- 
sus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

O merciful God, grant that the old 
Adam in this child may be so buried, 
that the new man may be raised up 
in him. Amen. 

Grant that all carnal affections may 
die in him, and that all things belong- 
ing to the Spirit may live and grow 
in him. Amen. 

Grant that he may have power and 
strength to have victory, and to tri- 
umph against the devil, the world, and 
the flesh. Amen. 

Grant that whosoever is dedicated 
to thee by our office and ministry, may 
also be endued with heavenly virtues, 



10 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 

and everlastingly rewarded through 
thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who 
dost live and govern all things, world 
without end. Amen. 

Almighty, ever-living God, whose 
most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, 
for the forgiveness of our sins, did 
shed out of His most precious side 
both water and blood, and gave com- 
mandment to His disciples that they 
should go teach all nations, and bap- 
tize them in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost; regard, we beseech thee, the 
supplications of thy congregation ; 
sanctify this water for this holy sa- 
crament ; and grant that this child, 
now to be baptized, may receive the 
fulness of thy grace, and ever remain 
in the number of thy faithful and 
elect children, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 11 

Then shall the people stand up ; and the Minister shall say, 

Hear the words of the Gospel, writ- 
ten by St. Mark, in the tenth chapter, 
at the thirteenth verse. 

TPHEY brought young children to 
-*- Christ, that he should touch them. 
And his disciples rebuked those that 
brought them; but when Jesus saw 
it, he was much displeased, and said 
unto them, Suffer the little children 
to come unto me, and forbid them 
not, for of such is the kingdom of 
God. Verily I say unto you, Whoso- 
ever shall not receive the kingdom 
of God as a little child, he shall not 
enter therein. And he took them up 
in his arms, put his hands upon them, 
and blessed them. 

Then the Minister shall take the Child into his hands, and 
say to the Friends of the Child, 

Name this child. 



12 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 

And then, naming it after them, he shall sprinkle or pour 
Water upon it, or, if desired, immerse it in Water, saying, 

TVT I baptize thee in the name of 
-*- ^ e the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then shall he said, all kneeling, 

OUR Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name ; thy king- 
dom come ; thy will be done on earth, 
as it is in heaven: give us this day 
our daily bread; and forgive us our 
trespasses, as we forgive them that 
trespass against us; and lead us not 
into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil. Amen. 



Then shall the Minister conclude with extemporary prayer 




THE 



MINISTKATION OF BAPTISM 

TO SUCH AS ARE OF RIPER YEARS. 



fYEARLY beloved, forasmuch as 
-■-' all men are conceived and born 
in sin, (and that which is born of 
the flesh is flesh, and they that are 
in the flesh cannot please God, but 
live in sin, committing many actual 
transgressions :) and that our Saviour 
Christ saith, None can enter into the 
kingdom of God, except he be rege- 
nerate and born anew of water and 
of the Holy Ghost : I beseech you to 
call upon God the Father, through 
our Lord Jesus Christ, that of His 
bounteous goodness He will grant 



14 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 

to these persons, that which by nature 
they cannot have; that they may be 
baptized with water and the Holy 
Ghost, and received into Christ's holy 
Church, and be made lively members 
of the same. 

Then shall the Minister say, 

ALMIGHTY and immortal God, 
the aid of all that need, the help- 
er of all that flee to thee for succour, 
the life of them that believe, and the 
resurrection of the dead : we call 
upon thee for these persons ; that they, 
coming to thy holy baptism, may re- 
ceive remission of their sins, by spirit- 
ual regeneration. Receive \hem, O 
Lord, as thou hast promised by thy 
well-beloved Son, saying, Ask, and 
ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall 
find; knock, and it shall be opened 
unto you: so give now unto us that 
ask: let us that seek, find: open the 



BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 15 

gate unto us that knock; that these 
persons may enjoy the everlasting be- 
nediction of thy heavenly washing, 
and may come to the eternal king- 
dom which thou hast promised by 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

After which he shall say, 

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, 
heavenly Father, we give thee 
humble thanks, for that thou hast 
vouchsafed to call us to the know- 
ledge of thy grace, and faith in thee ; 
increase this knowledge and confirm 
this faith in us evermore. Give thy 
Holy Spirit to these persons, that they 
may b^born again, and be made heirs 
of everlasting salvation through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and 
reigneth with thee and the Holy 
Spirit, now and forever. Amen. 






16 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 

Then shall the people stand up ; and the Minister shall say, 

Hear the words of the Gospel, writ- 
ten by St. John, in the third chapter, 
beginning at the first verse. 

rpHERE was a man of the Phari- 
-*- sees, named Nicodemus, a ruler 
of the Jews : the same came to Jesus 
by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, 
we know that thou art a teacher 
come from God; for no man can do 
these miracles that thou doest except 
God be with him. Jesus answered 
and said unto him, Verily, verily, I 
say unto thee, Except a man be born 
again, he cannot see the kingdom 
of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, 
How can a man be born when he is 
old ? Can he enter the second time 
into his mother's womb, and be born ? 
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say 
unto thee, Except a man be born of 
water and of the Spirit, he cannot 



BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 17 

enter into the kingdom of God. That 
which is born of the flesh is flesh, and 
that which is born of the Spirit is 
spirit. Marvel not that I said unto 
thee, Ye must be born again. The 
wind bloweth where it listeth, and 
thou hearest the sound thereof; but 
canst not tell whence it cometh, and 
whither it goeth : so is every one that 
is born of the Spirit. 

Then the Minister shall speak to the persons to be baptized 
on this wise : — 

~Y¥7"ELL beloved, who are come 
* ^ hither, desiring to receive holy 
baptism, ye have heard how the con- 
gregation hath prayed, that our Lord 
Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to re- 
ceive you, and bless you, to release you 
of your sins, to give you the kingdom 
of heaven, and everlasting life. And 
our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised 
in His holy word to grant all those 

2 



18 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 

things that we have prayed for : which 
promise He for His part will most 
surely keep and perform. 

Wherefore after this promise made 
by Christ, you must also faithfully, for 
your part, promise, in the presence of 
this whole congregation, that you will 
renounce the devil and all his works, 
and constantly believe God's holy 
word, and obediently keep His com- 
mandments. 

Then shall the Minister demand of each of the persons to he 
baptized, severally, 

^ , PkOST thou renounce the 

Quest. I 

-"-^ devil and all his works, 
the vain pomp and glory of the world, 
with all covetous desires of the same, 
and the carnal desires of the flesh, so 
that thou wilt not follow or be led by 
them ? 

Answ. I renounce them all. 



BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 19 

Quest. Dost thou believe in God the 
Father Almighty, Maker of heaven 
and earth? and in Jesus Christ His 
only-begotten Son our Lord ? and 
that He was conceived by the Holy 
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary? 
that He suffered under Pontius Pi- 
late, was crucified, dead and buried : 
that He rose again the third day ; 
that He ascended into heaven, and 
sitteth at the right hand of God the 
Father Almighty, and from thence 
shall come again at the end of the 
world, to judge the quick and the 
dead? 

And dost thou believe in the Holy 
Ghost, the holy catholic Church,* the 
communion of s&ints ; the remission 
of sins ; the resurrection of the body, 
and everlasting life after death ? 

Answ. All this I steadfastly believe. 

* By the holy catholic Church is meant the Church of God in 
general. 



20 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 

Quest. Wilt thou be baptized in this 
faith 1 

Answ. This is my desire. 

Quest. Wilt thou then obediently 
keep God's holy will and command- 
ments, and walk in the same all the 
days of thy life 1 

Answ. I will endeavour so to do, 
God being my helper. 

Then shall the Minister say, 

r\ MERCIFUL GOD, grant that 
V^ the old Adam in these persons may 
be so buried, that the new man may 
be raised up in them. Amen. 

Grant that all carnal affections 
may die in them, and that all things 
belonging to the Spirit may live and 
grow in them. Amen. 

Grant that they may have power 
and strength to have victory, and tri- 
umph against the devil, the world, and 
the flesh. Amen. 



BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 21 

Grant that they, being here de- 
dicated to thee by our office and 
ministry, may also be endued with 
heavenly virtues, and everlastingly 
rewarded, through thy mercy, O 
blessed Lord God, who dost live 
and govern all things, world with- 
out end. Amen. 

Almighty, ever-living God, whose 
most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, 
for the forgiveness of our sins, did 
shed <5ut of His most precious side 
both water and blood; and gave 
commandment to His disciples, that 
they should go teach all nations, 
and baptize them in the name of 
the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost: regard, we beseech 
thee, the supplications of this congre- 
gation; and grant that the persons 
now to be baptized may receive 
the fulness of thy grace, and ever re- 
main in the number of thy faithful 



22 BAPTISM OF ADULTS. 

and elect children, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



Then shall the minister take each person to be baptized by 
the right hand ; and, placing him conveniently by the 
font, according to his discretion, shall ask the name ; and 
then shall sprinkle or pour water upon him, {or, if he 
shall desire it, shall immerse him in water,) saying, 

NI baptize thee in the name of 
• the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all Meeting. 

OUR Father who art in heaven, hal- 
lowed be thy name ; thy kingdom 
come ; thy will be done on earth, as 
it is in heaven ; give us this day our 
daily bread ; and forgive us our tres- 
passes, as we forgive them that tres- 
pass against us : and lead us not into 
temptation ; but deliver us from evil. 
Amen. 
[Then let the minister conclude tvith extemporary prayer^] 



THE ORDER 



FOR ADMINISTERING 



THE LORD'S SUPPER 



THE ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION 



OF 



THE LORD'S SUPPER 



The Elder shall say one or more of these sentences : — 

LET your light so shine before 
men, that they may see your good 
works, and glorify your Father which 
is in heaven, Matt, v, 16. 

Lay not up for yourselves treasures 
upon earth, where moth and rust 
doth corrupt, and where thieves break 
through and steal: but lay up for 
yourselves treasures in heaven, where 
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, 
and where thieves do not break 
through nor steal, Matt, vi, 19, 20. 

Whatsoever ye would that men 



26 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

should do to you, do ye even so to 
them: for this is the law and the 
prophets, Matt, vii, 12. 

Not every one that saith unto me, 
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the king- 
dom of heaven ; but he that doeth the 
will of my Father which is in heaven, 
Matt, vii, 21. 

Zaccheus stood, and said unto the 
Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my 
goods I give to the poor; and if I 
have taken anything from any man, 
by false accusation, I restore him 
fourfold, Luke xix, 8. 

He which soweth sparingly shall 
reap also sparingly; and he which 
soweth bountifully shall reap also 
bountifully. Every man according as 
he purposeth in his heart, so let him 
give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity : 
for God loveth a cheerful giver, 2 Cor. 
ix, 6, 7. 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 27 

As we have therefore opportunity, 
let us do good unto all men, especially 
unto them who are of the household 
of faith, Gal. vi, 10. 

Godliness with contentment is great 
gain; for we brought nothing into 
this world, and it is certain we can 
carry nothing out, 1 Tim. vi, 6, 1. 

Charge them that are rich in this 
world, that they be ready to distribute, 
willing to communicate, laying up in 
store for themselves a good foundation 
against the time to come, that they 
may lay hold on eternal life, 1 Tim. 
vi, 17-19. 

God is not unrighteous to forget 
your work and labour of love, which 
ye have showed toward his name, in 
that ye have ministered to the saints, 
and do minister, Heb. vi, 10. 

To do good, and to communicate, 
forget not; for with such sacrifices 
God is well pleased, Heb. xiii, 16. 



i 



28 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

Whoso hath this world's good, and 
seeth his brother have need, and shut- 
teth up his bowels of compassion from 
him, how dwelleth the love of God in 
him ? 1 John iii, 17. 

He that hath pity upon the poor, 
lendeth unto the Lord; and that which 
he hath given will he pay him again, 
Prov. xix, 17. 

Blessed is he that considereth the 
poor; the Lord will deliver him in 
time of trouble, Psalm xli, 1. 

[While these sentences are in reading, some fit person, appointed 
for that purpose, shall receive the alms for the poor, and other 
devotions of the people, in a decent basin, to be provided for 
that purpose ; and then bring it to the elder, who shall place 
it upon the table.] 

After which the elder shall say, 

"V7"E that do truly and earnestly re- 
-*- pent of your sins, and are in love 
and charity with your neighbours, and 
intend to lead a new life, following 
the commandments of God, and walk- 
ing from henceforth in His holy ways ; 




THE LORD'S SUPPER. 29 

draw near with faith, and take this 
holy sacrament to your comfort: and 
make your humble confession to al- 
mighty God, meekly kneeling upon 
your knees. 

Then shall this general confession be made by the minister 
in the name of all those who are minded to receive the 
holy communion, both he and all the people kneeling 
humbly upon their knees, and saying, 

i LMIGHTY God, Father of our 
-^*- Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all 
things, Judge of all men: we ac- 
knowledge and bewail our manifold 
sins and wickedness, which we from 
time to time most grievously have 
committed, by thought, word, and 
deed, against thy Divine Majesty, 
provoking most justly thy wrath and 
indignation against us. We do ear- 
nestly repent, and are heartily sorry 
for these our misdoings ; the remem- 
brance of them is grievous unto us. 
Have mercy upon us, have mercy up- 



30 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

on us, most merciful Father; for 
thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, 
forgive us qjl that is past ; and grant 
that we may ever hereafter serve 
and please thee in newness of life, 
to the honour and glory of thy name, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall the elder say, 

f\ ALMIGHTY God, our Hea- 
^-^ venly Father, who of thy great 
mercy hast promised forgiveness of 
sins to all them that with hearty re- 
pentance and true faith turn unto 
thee: have mercy upon us; pardon 
and deliver us from all our sins, con- 
firm and strengthen us in all good- 
ness, and bring us to everlasting life, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Collect, 

k LMIGHTY God, unto whom all 
-*■*- hearts are open, all desires 






THE LORD'S SUPPER. 31 

known, and from whom no secrets are 
hid; cleanse the thoughts of our 
hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy 
Spirit, that we may perfectly love 
thee, and worthily magnify thy holy 
name, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall the elder say, 

FT is very meet, right, and our 
-*- bounden duty, that we should at 
all times, and in all places, give 
thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Fa- 
ther, almighty, everlasting God. 

Therefore with angels and arch- 
angels, and with all the company of 
heaven, we laud and magnify thy 
glorious name, evermore praising 
thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, 
Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth 
are full of thy glory. Glory be to 
thee, O Lord most high. Amen. 



« 



32 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

Then shall the elder say, 

WE do not presume to come to 
this thy table, O merciful 
Lord, trusting in our own righteous- 
ness, but in thy manifold and great 
mercies. We are not worthy so 
much as to gather up the crumbs 
under thy table. But thou art the 
same Lord, whose property is always 
to have mercy : Grant us, therefore, 
gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of 
thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to 
drink His blood, that our sinful souls 
and bodies may be made clean by 
His death, and washed through His 
most precious blood, and that we 
may evermore dwell in Him, and He 
in us. Amen. 



Then the elder shall say the prayer of consecration, as 
followeth : — 

4LMIGHTY God, our heavenly 
-*•*- Father, who of thy tender mercy 









THE LORD'S SUPPER. 33 

didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ 
to suffer death upon the cross for our 
redemption ; who made there (by His 
oblation of Himself once offered) a 
full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, 
oblation, and satisfaction for the sins 
of the whole world ; and did institute, 
and in his holy Gospel command us 
to continue, a perpetual memory of 
that His precious death until His 
coming again: hear us, O merciful 
Father, we most humbly beseech thee, 
and grant that we, receiving these 
thy creatures of bread and wine, ac- 
cording to thy Son our Saviour Jesus 
Christ's holy institution, in remem- 
brance of His death and passion, may 
be partakers of His most blessed body 
and blood; who, in the same night 
that he was betrayed, () Here the 

1 , 1 1 , elder is to take 

took bread; ( l ) and when the plate of bread 
He had given thanks, He into Ms hmd - 

6 (>) And here to 

broke it, (") and gave it oreak the bread. 



34 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 



to His disciples, saying, 
Take, eat ; this ( 3 ) is my 
body which is given for 
you; do this in remem- 
brance of me. Likewise 
after supper He took ( 4 ) 
the cup; and when He 
had given thanks, He 
gave it to them, saying, 
Drink ye all of this ; for 
this ( 5 ) is my blood of the 
New Testament, which is 
shed for you, and for 
many, for the remission of sins ; do 
this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in re- 
membrance of me. Amen. 



( 3 ) And here 
to lay his hands 
on all the bread. 



( 4 ) Here he is 

to take the cup in 
his hand. 



( 5 ) And here 
to lay his hand 
on all the vessels 
which contain the 
wine. 



Then shall the minister first receive the communion in both 
kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the 
other ministers in like manner, {if any be present?) and 
after that to the people also, in order, into their hands. 
And when he deliver eth the bread, he shall say, 



T 



HE body of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, which was given for thee, 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 35 

preserve thy soul and body unto ever- 
lasting life. Take and eat this in re- 
membrance that Christ died for thee, 
and feed on Him in thy heart by faith 
with thanksgiving. 

And the minister that deliver eth the cup shall sat/, 

TPHE blood of our Lord Jesus 
-*■ Christ, which was shed for thee, 
preserve thy soul and body unto ever- 
lasting life. Drink this in remem- 
brance that Christ's blood was shed 
for thee, and be thankful. 

[If the consecrated bread or wine be all spent before all have 
communicated, the elder may consecrate more, by repeat- 
ing the prayer of consecration.] 

[When all have communicated, the minister shall return to 
the Lord's table, and place upon it what remaineth of the 
consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen 
cloth.] 

Then shall the elder say the Lord's Prayer ; the people re- 
peating after him every petition. 







JR Father who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name; thy 






36 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

kingdom come ; thy will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven : give us this 
day our daily bread ; and forgive us 
our trespasses, as we forgive them 
that trespass against us ; and lead us 
not into temptation, but deliver us 
from evil, for thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, for- 
ever and ever. Amen. 

After which shall be said as follow eth : — 

f\ LORD and heavenly Father, we 
^^ thy humble servants desire thy 
Fatherly goodness mercifully to ac- 
cept this our sacrifice of praise and 
thanksgiving; most humbly beseech- 
ing thee to grant that, by the merits 
and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, 
and through faith in His blood, we 
and thy whole Church may obtain re- 
mission of our sins, and all other 
benefits of His passion. And here we 
offer and present unto thee, O Lord, 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 37 

ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be 
a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice 
unto thee; humbly beseeching thee 
that all we who are partakers of this 
holy communion may be filled with 
thy grace and heavenly benediction. 
And although we be unworthy, 
through our manifold sins, to offer 
unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech 
thee to accept this our bounden duty 
and service ; not weighing our merits, 
but pardoning our offences, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord : by whom, and 
with whom, in the unity of the Holy 
Ghost, all honour and glory be unto 
thee, O Father Almighty, world with- 
out end. Amen. 

Then shall he said, — 

p LORY be to God on high, and 
^* on earth peace, good-will to- 
ward men. We praise thee, we bless 
thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, 



38 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 

we give thanks to thee for thy great 
glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, 
God the Father Almighty. 

O Lord, the only-begotten Son 
Jesus Christ ; O Lord God, Lamb of 
God, Son of the Father, that takest 
away the sins of the world, have 
mercy upon us. Thou that takest 
away the sins of the world, have 
mercy upon us. Thou that takest 
away the sins of the world, receive 
our prayer. Thou that sittest at the 
right hand of God the Father, have 
mercy upon us. 

For thou only art holy ; thou only 
art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, 
with the Holy Ghost, art most high 
in the glory of God the Father. Amen. 

Then the elder, if he see it expedient, may put up an ex-, 
tempore prayer; and afterwards shall let the people depart 
with this blessing : — 

AY the peace of God, which 
passeth all understanding, keep 



M 



THE LORD'S SUPPER. 39 

your hearts and minds in the know- 
ledge and love of God, and of His 
Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and 
the blessing of God Almighty, the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 
be among you, and remain with you 
always. Amen. 

N. B. If the elder be straitened for time, he may omit 
any part of the service, except the prayer of consecration. 



THE FORM 



OF 



SOLEMNIZATION" OF MATRIMONY. 



THE FORM 



OF 



SOLEINIZATIOI OF MATRIMOM. 



First, the bans of all that are to he married together must 
he published in the congregation three several Sundays 
in the time of Divine service, {unless they be otherwise 
qualified according to law,) the minister saying, after 
the accustomed manner, — 



I 



PUBLISH the bans of marriage 

between M of and N of 

If any of yon know cause or just 
impediment, why these two persons 
should not be joined together in holy 
matrimony, ye are to declare it. This 
is the first [second or third] time of 
asking. 



44 SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 

At the day and time appointed for solemnization of matri- 
mony ', the persons to be married standing together, the 
man on the right hand, and the woman on the left, the 
minister shall say, — 

TYEARLY beloved, we are gath- 
*-* ered together here in the sight 
of God, and in the presence of these 
witnesses, to join together this man 
and this woman in holy matrimony ; 
which is an honourable estate, insti- 
tuted of God in the time of man's in- 
nocency, signifying unto us the mys- 
tical union that is between Christ 
and His Church; which holy estate 
Christ adorned and beautified with 
His presence, and first miracle that 
he wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and 
is commended of St Paul to be ho- 
nourable among all men ; and there- 
fore is not by any to be enterprised, 
or taken in hand unadvisedly, but 
reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and 
in the fear of God. 



SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 45 

Into which holy estate these two 
persons present come now to be 
joined. Therefore if any can show 
any just cause why they may not law- 
fully be joined together, let him now 
speak, or else hereafter forever hold 
his peace. 

And also speaking unto the persons that are to he married, 
he shall say, — 

J REQUIRE and charge you 
-*- both, (as you will answer at the 
dreadful day of judgment, when the 
secrets of all hearts shall be dis- 
closed,) that # if either of you know 
any impediment why you may not be 
lawfully joined together in matrimo- 
ny, you do now confess it: for.be ye 
well assured, that so many as are 
coupled together otherwise than 
God's word doth allow, are not 
joined together by God, neither is 
their matrimony lawful. 



46 SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 

If no impediment he alleged, then shall the minister say un- 
to the man, — 

MWILT thou have this woman 
• to thy wedded wife, to live to- 
gether after God's ordinance in the 
holy estate of matrimony? Wilt 
thou love her, comfort her, honour, 
and keep her, in sickness and in 
health : and forsaking all other, keep 
thee only unto her, so long as ye both 
shall live ? 

The man shall answer, — 

I will. 

Then shall the minister say unto the woman, — 

TV" WILT thou have this man to 
^ • thy wedded husband, to live to- 
gether after God's ordinance, in the 
holy estate of matrimony ? Wilt thou 
obey him, serve him, love, honour, 
and keep him, in sickness and in 
health : and forsaking all other, keep 



SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 47 

thee only unto him, so long as ye 
both shall live ? 

The woman shall answer, — 

I will. 

Then the minister shall cause the man with his right hand 
to take the woman by her right hand, and to say after 
him as follow eth : 

IM. TAKE thee N. to be my wed- 
ded wife, to have and to hold, 
from this day forward, for better, for 
worse, for richer, for poorer, in sick- 
ness and in health, to love and to 
cherish, till death us do part, accord- 
ing to God's holy ordinance: and 
thereto I plight thee my faith. 

Then shall they loose their hands, and the woman with her 
right hand taking the man by his right hand, shall like- 
wise say after the minister : — 

T N. TAKE thee M. to be my wed- 
-*- ded husband, to have and to hold, 
from this day forward, for better, for 



48 SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 

worse, for richer, for poorer, in sick- 
ness and in health, to love, cherish, 
and to obey, till death us do part, 
according to God's holy ordinance : 
and thereto I give thee my faith. 

Then shall the minister sat/, — 

Let us pray. 

f\ ETERNAL God, Creator and 
^^2 Preserver of all mankind, Giver 
of all spiritual grace, the Author of 
everlasting life ; send thy blessing 
upon these thy servants, this man 
and this woman, whom we bless in 
thy name; that as Isaac and Re- 
becca lived faithfully together, so 
these persons may surely perform and 
keep the vow and covenant between 
them made, and may ever remain in 
perfect love and peace together, and 
live according to thy laws, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 49 

Then shall the minister join their right hands together and 

say,— 

rpHOSE whom God hath joined 
-*- together, let no man put asunder. 

Forasmuch as M. and N. have con- 
sented together in holy wedlock, and 
have witnessed the same before God 
and this company, and thereto have 
pledged their faith either to other, 
and have declared the same by join- 
ing of hands ; I pronounce that they 
are man and wife together, in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

And the minister shall add this blessing : — 

f^OJ) the Father, God the Son, 
^ God the Holy Ghost, bless, pre- 
serve, and keep you ; the Lord mer- 
cifully with His favour look upon 
you, and so fill you with all spiritual 
benediction and grace, that ye 



50 SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 

may so live together in this life, that 
in the world to come ye may have 
life everlasting. Amen. 

Then the minister shall say, — 

/~YUR Father, who art in heaven, 
^^ hallowed be thy name ; thy king- 
dom come ; thy will be done on 
earth, as it is in heaven : give us this 
day our daily bread; and forgive us 
our trespasses, as we forgive them 
that trespass against us ; and lead us 
not into temptation; but deliver us 
from evil. Amen. 

Then shall the minister say, — 

OGOD of Abraham, God of Isaac, 
God of Jacob, bless this man and 
this woman, and sow the seed of eter- 
nal life in their hearts, that whatso- 
ever in thy holy word they shall pro- 
fitably learn, they may indeed fulfil 
the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully 



SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 51 

on them from heaven, and bless 
them: as thou didst send thy bless- 
ings upon Abraham and Sarah, to 
their great comfort, so vouchsafe to 
send thy blessings upon this man and 
this woman, that they, obeying thy 
will, and always being in safety under 
thy protection, may abide in thy love 
unto their lives 5 end, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

f\ GOD, who by thy mighty power 
^s hast made all things of nothing ; 
who also (after other things set in or- 
der) didst appoint that out of man 
(created after thine own image and 
similitude) woman should take her 
beginning ; and, knitting them toge- 
ther, didst teach that it should never 
be lawful to put asunder those whom 
thou, by matrimony, hadst made one ; 
O God, who hast consecrated the 
state of matrimony to such an ex- 



52 SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 

cellent mystery, that in it is signified 
and represented the spiritual mar- 
riage and unity between Christ and 
His Church: look mercifully upon 
this man and this woman ; that this 
man may love his wife, according to 
thy word, (as Christ did love His 
spouse, the Church, who gave Him- 
self for it; loving and cherishing it, 
even as His own flesh,) and also that 
this woman may be loving and amia- 
ble, faithful and obedient to her hus- 
band: and in all quietness, sobriety, 
and peace, be a follower of holy and 
godly matrons. O Lord, bless them 
both, and grant them to inherit thy 
everlasting kingdom, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Then shall the minister say, — 

A LMIGHTY God, who at the be- 
-^*- ginning did create our first pa- 



SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 53 

rents, Adam and Eve, and did sanc- 
tify and join them together in mar- 
riage, pour upon you the riches of 
His grace, sanctify and bless you, 
that ye may please Him both in body 
and soul, and live together in holy 
love unto your lives 5 end. Amen. 



THE ORDER 



FOR 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



THE ORDER 



FOR 



THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 



The minister, meeting the corpse, and going lefore it, shall 

say — 

| AM the resurrection and the life: 
-*- he that believeth in me, though 
he were dead, yet shall he live ; and 
whosoever liveth, and believeth in 
me, shall never die, John xi 3 25, 26. 

I KNOW that my Redeemer liv- 
-*- eth, and that He shall stand at 
the latter day upon the earth: and 
though, after my skin, worms destroy 
this body, yet in my flesh shall I see 
God, whom I shall see for myself, and 



58 BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 

mine eyes shall behold, and not 
another, Job xix, 25-27. 

WE brought nothing into this 
world, and it is certain we can 
carry nothing out. The Lord gave 
and the Lord hath taken away: bless- 
ed be the name of the Lord, 1 Tim. 
vi, 7 ; Job i, 21. 

At the grave, when the corpse is laid in the earth, the 
minister shall say, — 

11/1" AN that is born of a woman hath 
-*-*-■- but a short time to live, and is 
full of misery. He cometh up, and 
is cut down like a flower : he fleeth 
as it were a shadow, and never con- 
tinueth in one stay. 

In the midst of life we are in 
death: of whom may we seek for 
succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for 
our sins art justly displeased ? 

Yet, O Lord God most holy, O 
Lord most mighty, O holy and most 



BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 59 

merciful Saviour, deliver us not into 
the bitter pains of eternal death. 

Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of 
our hearts : shut not thy merciful ears 
to our prayers, but spare us, Lord 
most holy, O God most mighty, O 
holy and merciful Saviour, thou most 
worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not 
at our last hour for any pains of 
death to fall from thee. 

Then shall be said, — 

! HEARD a voice from heaven, 
-*- saying unto me, Write; from 
henceforth blessed are the dead who 
die in the Lord: even so, saith the 
Spirit; for they rest from their labours. 

Then shall the minister say, — 

Lord, have mercy upon us. 

Christ, have mercy upon us. 
Lord, have mercy upon us. 



60 BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 

OUR Father, who art in heaven, 
hallowed be thy name; thy 
kingdom come; thy will be done on 
earth, as it is in heaven : give us this 
day our daily bread ; and forgive us 
our trespasses, as we forgive them 
that trespass against us ; and lead us 
not into temptation, but deliver us 
from eviL Amen. 

The Collect. 

MERCIFUL God, the Father 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is 
the resurrection and the life: in 
whom whosoever believeth shall live, 
though he die, and whosoever liveth 
and believeth in Him shall not die 
eternally : We meekly beseech thee, 
O Father, to raise us from the death 
of sin unto the life of righteousness ; 
that when we shall depart this life 
we may rest in Him; and at the 



BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 6 1 

general resurrection on the last day 
may be found acceptable in thy sight, 
and receive that blessing which thy 
well-beloved Son shall then pro- 
nounce to all that love and fear thee, 
saying, Come, ye blessed children of 
my Father, receive the kingdom pre- 
pared for you from the beginning of 
the world. Grant this, we beseech 
thee, O merciful Father, through 
Jesus Christ our Mediator and Re- 
deemer. Amen. 

HPHE grace of our Lord Jesus 
-*- Christ, and the love of God, 
and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, 
be with us all evermore. Amen. 



FORMS OF ORDINATION 



THE FORM 

OF 



ORDAINING A BISHOP 



The Collect. 

4LMIGHTY God, who by thy 
-*-*- Son Jesus Christ didst give to 
thy holy apostles many excellent gifts, 
and didst charge them to feed thy 
flock; give grace, we beseech thee, 
to all the ministers and pastors of thy 
Church, that they may diligently 
preach thy word and duly administer 
the godly discipline thereof; and 
grant to the people that they may 
obediently follow the same ; that all 
may receive the crown of everlast- 
ing glory, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

5 



6 6 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

Then shall he read hy one of the elders 

The Epistle. Acts xx, 17-35. 

FROM Miletus Paul sent to Ephe- 
-*- sus, and called the elders of the 
Church. And when they were come 
to him, he said unto them, Ye know 
from the first day that I came into 
Asia, after what manner I have been 
with you at all seasons, serving the 
Lord with all humility of mind, and 
with many tears and temptations 
which befell me by the lying in wait 
of the Jews; and how I kept back 
nothing that was profitable unto you, 
but have showed you, and have 
taught you publicly and from house 
to house, testifying both to the Jews 
and also to the Greeks, repentance 
toward God, and faith toward our 
Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold 
I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusa- 
lem, not knowing the things that shall 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 67 

befall me there ; save that the Holy 
Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying 
that bonds and afflictions abide me. 
But none of these things move me, 
neither count I my life dear unto my- 
self, so that I might finish my course 
with joy, and the ministry which I 
have received of the Lord Jesus to 
testify the gospel of the grace of God. 
And now, behold, I know that ye all, 
among whom I have gone preaching 
the kingdom of God, shall see my 
face no more. Wherefore I take you 
to record this day, that I am pure 
from the blood of all men. For I 
have not shunned to declare unto you 
all the counsel of God. Take heed, 
therefore, unto yourselves, and to all 
the flock, over the which the Holy 
Ghost hath made you overseers, to 
feed the Church of God which he 
hath purchased with his own blood. 
For I know this, that after my depart- 



68 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

ihg shall grievous wolves enter in 
among you, not sparing the flock. 
Also of your own selves shall men 
arise, speaking perverse things, to 
draw away disciples after them. 
Therefore watch, and remember that 
by the space of three years, I ceased 
not to warn every one night and day 
with tears. And now, brethren, I 
commend you to God, and to the 
word of his grace, which is able to 
build you up, and to give you an in- 
heritance among all them which are 
sanctified. I have coveted no man's 
silver, or gold, or apparel: yea, ye 
yourselves know that these hands 
have ministered unto my necessities, 
and to them that were with me. I 
have showed you all things, how that 
so labouring ye ought to support the 
weak; and to remember the words 
of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is 
more blessed to give than to receive. 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 69 

Then another shall read 

The Gospel St. John xxi, 15-17. 

TESUS saith to Simon Peter, 
** Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou 
me more than these 9 He saith unto 
him, Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that I 
love thee. He saith unto him. Feed 
my lambs. He saith to him again 
the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, 
lovest thou me ? He saith unto him, 
Yea, Lord ; thou knowest that I love 
thee. He saith unto him, Feed my 
sheep. He saith unto him the third 
time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou 
me? Peter was grieved because he 
said unto him the third time, Lovest 
thou me? And he said unto him, 
Lord, thou knowest all things ; thou 
knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith 
unto him, Feed my sheep. 



70 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

Or this: St. Matt, xxviii, 18-20. 

fESUS came and spake unto them, 
•J saying, All power is given unto 
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye 
therefore and teach all nations, bap- 
tizing them in the name of the Fa- 
ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost ; teaching them to observe all 
things whatsoever I have commanded 
you: and lo, I am with you alway, 
even unto the end of the world. 



After the Gospel and the sermon are ended, the elected 
person shall he presented by the two elders unto the 
bishop j saying ', 



W 



E present unto you this holy 
man to be ordained a bishop. 



Then the bishop shall move the congregation present to 
pray, saying thus to them : — 

"BRETHREN, it is written in the 
-*-* Gospel of St. Luke, that our 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 71 

Saviour Christ continued the whole 
night in prayer before he did choose 
and send forth his twelve apostles. 
It is written also in the Acts of the 
Apostles, that the disciples who were 
at Antioch did fast and pray before 
they laid hands on Paul and Barna- 
bas, and sent them forth. Let us, 
therefore, following the example of 
our Saviour Christ, and his apostles, 
first fall to prayer before we admit, 
and send forth this person presented 
to us, to the work whereunto we 
trust the Holy Ghost hath called 
him. 

Then shall he said this prayer following : — 

4LMIGHTY God, Giver of all 
^*- good things, who by thy Holy 
Spirit hast appointed divers Orders of 
ministers in thy Church: mercifully 
behold this thy servant now called to 
the work and ministry of a bishop, 



72 ORDINATION OF'BISHOPS. 

and replenish him so with the truth 
of thy doctrine, and adorn him with 
innocency of life, that both by word 
and deed he may faithfully serve thee 
in this office, to the glory of thy name, 
and the edifying and well govern- 
ing of thy Church, through the merits 
of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who 
liveth and reigneth with thee, and 
the Holy Ghost, world without end. 
Amen. 

Then the bishop shall say to him that is to he ordained : — 

"BROTHER, forasmuch as the 
-*^ Holy Scripture commands that 
we should not be hasty in laying on 
hands, and admitting any person to 
government in the Church of Christ, 
which h#hath purchased with no less 
price than the effusion of his own 
blood; before I admit you to this 
administration, I will examine you on 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 73 

certain articles, to the end that the 
congregation present may have a 
trial, and bear witness how you are 
minded to behave yourself in the 
Church of God. 

Are you persuaded that you are 
truly called to this ministration, ac- 
cording to the will of our Lord Jesus 
Christ ? 

Answ. I am so persuaded. 

The bishop. Are you persuaded that 
the Holy Scriptures contain suffi- 
ciently all doctrine required of neces- 
sity for eternal salvation, through 
faith in Jesus Christ ? And are you 
determined, out of the same Holy 
Scriptures, to instruct the people 
committed to your charge, and to 
teach or maintain nothing as required 
of necessity to eternal salvation but 
that which you shall be persuaded 
may be concluded and proved by the 
same ? 



74 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

Answ. I am so persuaded and de- 
termined, by God's grace. 

The bishop. Will you then faithfully 
exercise yourself in the same Holy 
Scriptures, and call upon God by 
prayer for the true understanding of 
the same, so as you may be able by 
them to teach and exhort with whole- 
some doctrine, and to withstand and 
convince the gainsayers ? 

Jlnsw. I will so do, by the help of 
God. 

The bishop. Are you ready with 
faithful diligence to banish and drive 
away all erroneous and strange doc- 
trines contrary to God's word, and 
both privately and openly to call 
upon and encourage others to the 
same? 

Answ. I am ready, the Lord being 
my helper. 

The bishop. Will you deny all un- 
godliness and worldly lust, and live 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 75 

soberly, righteously, and godly, in 
this present world, that you may 
show yourself in all things an ex- 
ample of good works unto others, 
that the adversary may be ashamed, 
having nothing to say against you? 

Answ. I will so do, the Lord being 
my helper. 

The bishop. Will you maintain and 
set forward, as much as shall lie in 
you, quietness, love, and peace, 
among all men: and such as shall 
be unquiet, disobedient, and crimi- 
nal, within your district, correct 
and punish according to such au- 
thority as you have by God's word, 
and as shall be committed unto 
you? 

Jlnsw. I will so do, by the help of 
God. 

The bishop. Will you be faithful in 
ordaining, sending, or laying hands 
upoi^ others ? 



76 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

Answ. I will so be, by the help of 
God. 

The bishop. Will you show yourself 
gentle, and be merciful for Christ's 
sake, to poor and needy people, and 
to all strangers destitute of help ? 

Answ. I will so show myself, by 
God's help. 

Then the bishop shall sat/, 

4 LMIGHTY God, our heavenly 
•^** Father, who hath given you a 
good will to do all these things, grant 
also unto you strength and power to 
perform the same ; that he accom- 
plishing in you the good work which 
he hath begun, you may be found 
perfect and irreprehensible at the last 
day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 77 

Then shall Veni, Creator Spiritus, he said. 

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, 

And lighten with celestial Jire. 
Thou the anointing Spirit art, 
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. 
Thy blessed unction from above 
Is comfort, life, and fire of love. 
Enable with perpetual light 
The dulness of our blinded sight ; 
Anoint and cheer our soiled face 
With the abundance of thy grace ; 
Keep far our foes, give peace at home; 
Where thou art Guide, no ill can come. 
Teach us to know the Father, Son, 
And thee of both to be but one ; 
That through the ages all along, 
This may be our endless song : 
Praise to thy eternal merit, 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

That ended, the bishop shall say, 

Lord, hear our prayer. 



78 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

Jlnsw. And let our cry come unto 
thee. 

Bishop. Let us pray. 

\ LMIGHTY God and most merci- 
-^- ful Father, who of thine infinite 
goodness hast given thine only and 
dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ to be 
our Redeemer, and the author of 
everlasting life; who after that he 
had made perfect our redemption by 
his death, and was ascended into 
heaven, poured down his gifts abun- 
dantly upon men, making some apos- 
tles, some prophets, some evangelists, 
some pastors, and doctors, to the edi- 
fying and making perfect his Church: 
grant, we beseech thee, to this thy ser- 
vant, such grace that he may evermore 
be ready to spread abroad thy gospel, 
the glad tidings of reconciliation 
with thee, and use the authority 
given him, not to destruction, but to 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 79 

salvation ; not to hurt, but to help ; so 
that as a wise and faithful servant, 
giving to the family their portion in 
due season, he may at last be received 
into everlasting joy, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord, who, with thee and 
the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, 
one God, world without end. Amen. 

Then the bishop and elders present shall lay their hands 
upon the head of the elected person, kneeling before 
them upon his knees, the bishop saying, 

T* ECEIVE the Holy Ghost for the 
-"-*' office and work of a bishop in the 
Church of God now committed unto 
thee by the imposition of our hands, 
in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. — Amen. 
And remember that thou stir up the 
grace of God which is given thee by 
this imposition of our hands ; for God 
hath not given us the spirit of fear, 
but of power, and love, and soberness. 



80 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

Then the bishop shall deliver him the Bible, saying, 

GIVE heed unto reading, exhorta- 
tion, and doctrine. Think upon 
the things contained in this book. 
Be diligent in them, that the increase 
coming thereby may be manifest unto 
all men. Take heed unto thyself, and 
to thy doctrine ; for by so doing thou 
shalt both save thyself and them that 
hear thee. Be to the flock of Christ 
a shepherd, not a wolf: feed them, 
devour them not. Hold up the weak, 
heal the sick, bind up the broken, 
bring again the outcast, seek the lost, 
be so merciful that you may not be 
too remiss ; so minister discipline that 
you forget not mercy ; that when the 
chief Shepherd shall appear, you may 
receive the never-fading crown of 
glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



M 



ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 81 

[Then the bishop shall administer the Lord's supper, with 
whom the newly-ordained bishop and other persons present 
shall communicate.] 

Immediately before the benediction shall be said the 
following prayers :— * 

TV/I OST merciful Father, we be- 
-*-*-■- seech thee to send down upon 
this thy servant thy heavenly bless- 
ing, and so endue him with thy Holy 
Spirit, that he, preaching thy word, 
may not only be earnest to reprove, 
beseech, and rebuke with all patience 
and doctrine, but also may be to such 
as believe a wholesome example in 
word, in conversation, in love, in 
faith, in chastity, and in purity : that 
faithfully fulfilling his course, at the 
latter day he may receive the crown 
of righteousness laid up by the Lord, 
the righteous Judge, who liveth and 
reigneth, one God with the Father 
and the Holy Ghost, world without 
end. Amen. 

6 



82 ORDINATION OF BISHOPS. 

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our do- 
ings with thy most gracious favour, 
and further us with thy continual 
help, that in all our works begun, 
continued, find ended in thee, we 
may glorify thy holy name; and 
finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlast- 
ing life through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

HPHE peace of God, which passeth 
-*- all understanding, keep your 
hearts and minds in the knowledge 
and love of God, and of his Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord; and the blessing 
of God Almighty, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among 
you, and remain with you always. 
Amen. 



THE FORM AND MANNER 



OF 



ORDAINING ELDERS 



[When the day appointed by the bishop is come, there shall 
be a sermon or exhortation, declaring the duty and office 
of such as come to be admitted elders ; how necessary 
that order is in the Church of Christ, and also how the 
people ought to esteem them in their office.] 

After which, one of the elders shall present unto the bishop 
all them that are to be ordained, and say, 

T PRESENT unto you these per- 
-*- sons present to be ordained 
elders. 

Then their names heing read aloud, the bishop shall say 
unto the people, 

T) RETHREN, these are they whom 

■ we purpose, God willing, this 

day to ordain elders. For after due 



84 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

examination, we find not to the con- 
trary, but that they are lawfully called 
to this function and ministry, and 
that they are persons meet for the 
same. But if there be any of you 
who knoweth any impediment or 
crime in any of them, for the which 
he ought not to be received into this 
holy ministry, let him come forth in 
the name of God, and show what 
the crime or impediment is. 

[If any crime or impediment be objected, the bishop 
shall surcease from ordaining that person until such time 
as the party accused shall be found clear of the crime.] 



Then shall he said the collect, epistle, and gospel, as 

followeth. 

The Collect. 

i LMIGHTY God, Giver of all 
-^ good things, who by thy Holy 
Spirit hast appointed divers orders 
of ministers in thy Church; merci- 
fully behold these thy servants now 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 85 

called to the office of elders, and 
replenish them so with the truth of 
thy doctrine, and adorn them with 
innocency of life, that both by word 
and good example they may faithfully 
serve thee in this office, to the glory of 
thy name, and the edification of thy 
Church, through the merits of our 
Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and 
reigneth with thee and the Holy 
Ghost, world without end. Amen. 

The Epistle. Eph. iv, 7-13. 

S TNTO every one of us is given 
^ grace according to the measure 
of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he 
saith, when he ascended up on high, 
he led captivity captive, and gave 
gifts unto men. (Now that he ascend- 
ed, what is it but that he also descend- 
ed first into the lower parts of the 
earth ? He that descended is the 



86 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

same also that ascended up far above 
all heavens, that he might fill all 
things.) And he gave some, apostles ; 
and some, prophets ; and some, evan- 
gelists ; and some, pastors and teach- 
ers ; for the perfecting of the saints, 
for the work of the ministry, for the 
edifying of the body of Christ, till 
we all come in the unity of the faith, 
and of the knowledge of the Son of 
God, unto a perfect man, unto the 
measure of the stature of the fulness 
of Christ. 



After this shall be read for the Gospel, part of the tenth 
chapter of St. John. 

St. John x, 1-16. 

T7ERILY, verily, I say unto you, 
* He that entereth not by the 
door into the sheepfold, but climbeth 
up some other way, the same is a 
thief and a robber. But he that en- 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 87 

tereth in by the door is the shepherd 
of the sheep. To him the porter 
openeth, and the sheep hear his voice, 
and he calleth his own sheep by name, 
and leadeth them out. And when 
he putteth forth his own sheep, he 
goeth before them, and the sheep fol- 
low him, for they know his voice. 
And a stranger will they not fol- 
low, but will flee from him, for they 
know not the voice of strangers. 
This parable spake Jesus unto them, 
but they understood not what things 
they were which he spake unto them. 
Then said Jesus unto them again, 
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am 
the door of the sheep. All that ever 
came before me are thieves and rob- 
bers, but the sheep did not hear 
them. I am the door ; by me if any 
man enter in, he shall be saved, and 
shall go in and out and find pasture. 
The thief cometh not but for to steal, 



88 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

and to kill, and to destroy ; I am 
come that they might have life, and 
that they might have it more abund- 
antly. I am the good shepherd : the 
good shepherd giveth his life for the 
sheep. But he that is a hireling, and 
not the shepherd, whose own the 
sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, 
and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, 
and the wolf catcheth them, and 
scattereth the sheep. The hireling 
fleeth because he is a hireling, and 
careth not for the sheep. I am the 
good shepherd, and know my sheep, 
and am known of mine. As the 
Father knoweth me, even so know I 
the Father : and I lay down my life 
for the sheep. And other sheep I 
have which are not of this fold : them 
also I must bring, and they shall 
hear my voice, and there shall be one 
fold and one shepherd. 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 89 

And that done, the bishop shall say unto them as hereafter 

followeth : — 

A/^OU have heard, brethren, as well 
A in your private examination as 
in the exhortation which was now 
made to you, and in the holy lessons 
taken out of the Gospel, and the writ- 
ings of the apostles, of what dignity 
and of how great importance this 
office is whereunto ye are called. And 
now again we exhort you in the name 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you 
have in remembrance, into how high 
a dignity and to how weighty an office 
ye are called: that is to say, to be 
messengers, watchmen, and stewards, 
of the Lord, to teach and to premon- 
ish, to feed, and provide for the Lord's 
family, to seek for Christ's sheep that 
are dispersed abroad, and for his chil- 
dren who are in the midst of this evil 
world, that they may be saved 
through Christ for ever. 



90 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

Have always therefore printed in 
your remembrance how great a trea- 
sure is committed to your charge. 
For they are the sheep of Christ, 
which he bought with his death, and 
for whom he shed his blood. The 
Church and congregation whom you 
must serve, is his spouse and his body. 
And if it shall happen, the same 
Church, or any member thereof, do 
take any hurt or hindrance by rea- 
son of your negligence, ye know the 
greatness of the fault, and also the 
horrible punishment that will ensue. 
Wherefore consider with yourselves 
the end of the ministry toward the 
children of God, toward the spouse 
and body of Christ ; and see that you 
never cease your labour, your care 
and diligence, until you have done 
all that lieth in you, according to 
your bounden duty, to bring all such 
as are or shall be committed to your 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 9 1 

charge, unto that agreement in the 
faith and knowledge of God, and to 
that ripeness and perfectness of age 
in Christ, that there be no place left 
among you, either for error in reli- 
gion, or for viciousness in life. 

Forasmuch then as your office is 
both of so great excellency, and of so 
great difficulty, ye see with how great 
care and study ye ought to apply 
yourselves, as well that ye may show 
yourselves dutiful and thankful unto 
that Lord who hath placed you in so 
high a dignity; as also to beware 
that neither you yourselves offend, 
nor be occasion that others offend. 
Howbeit ye cannot have a mind and 
will thereto of yourselves ; for that 
will and ability is given of God 
alone ; therefore ye ought, and have 
need to pray earnestly for his Holy 
Spirit. And seeing that ye cannot 
by any other means compass the do- 



92 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

ing of so weighty a work, pertaining 
to the salvation of man, but with doc- 
trine and exhortation taken out of 
the Holy Scriptures, and with a life 
agreeable to the same ; consider how 
studious ye ought to be in reading 
and learning the Scriptures, and in 
framing the manners, both of your- 
selves and of them that specially per- 
tain unto you, according to the rule 
of the same Scriptures ; and for this 
self-same cause, how ye ought to for- 
sake and set aside (as much as you 
may) all worldly cares and studies. 

We have good hope that you have 
all weighed and pondered these things 
with yourselves long before this time : 
and that you have clearly determin- 
ed, by God's grace, to give yourselves 
wholly to this office, whereunto it 
hath pleased God to call you : so that, 
as much as lieth in you, you will apply 
yourselves wholly to this one thing, 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 93 

and draw all your cares and studies 
this way, and that you will continual- 
ly pray to God the Father, by the me- 
diation of our only Saviour Jesus 
Christ, for the heavenly assistance of 
the Holy Ghost ; that by daily read- 
ing and weighing of the Scriptures, 
ye may wax riper and stronger in 
your ministry; and that ye may so 
endeavour yourselves from time to 
time to sanctify the lives of you and 
yours, and to fashion them after the 
rule and doctrine of Christ, that ye 
may be wholesome and godly exam- 
ples and patterns for the people to 
follow. 

And now that this present congre- 
gation of Christ, here assembled, may 
also understand your minds and wills 
in these things, and that this your 
promise may the more move you to 
do your duties : ye shall answer plain- 
ly to these things which we, in the 



94 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

name of God and his Church, shall 
demand of you touching the same. 

Do you think in your heart that 
you are truly called, according to the 
will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the 
order of elders ? 

Answ. I think so. 

The bishop. Are you persuaded that 
the Holy Scriptures contain suffi- 
ciently all doctrine required of neces- 
sity for eternal salvation through 
faith in Jesus Christ ? And are you 
determined out of the said Scriptures 
to instruct the people committed to 
your charge, and to teach nothing as 
required of necessity to eternal sal- 
vation, but that which you shall be 
persuaded may be concluded and 
% proved by the Scripture? 

Answ. I am so persuaded, and have 
so determined, by God's grace. 

The bishop. Will you then give your 
faithful diligence always so to minister 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 95 

the doctrine and sacraments, and dis- 
cipline of Christ, as the Lord hath 
commanded ? 

Answ. I will so do, by the help of 
the Lord. 

The bishop. Will you be ready 
with all faithful diligence to banish 
and drive away all erroneous and 
strange doctrines contrary to God's 
word; and to use both public and 
private monitions and exhortations, 
as well to the sick as to the whole 
within your charge, as need shall 
require and occasion shall be 
given ? 

jlnsw. I will, the Lord being my 
helper. 

The bishop. Will you be diligent in 
prayers, and in reading of the Holy 
Scriptures, and in such studies as 
help to the knowledge of the same, 
laying aside the study of the world 
and the flesh ? 



96 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

Jlnsw. I will endeavour so to do, 
the Lord being my helper. 

The bishop. Will you be diligent to 
frame and fashion yourselves, and 
your families, according to the doc- 
trine of Christ: and to make both 
yourselves and them, as much as in 
you lieth, wholesome examples and 
patterns to the flock of Christ ? 

Jlnsw. I shall apply myself thereto, 
the Lord being my helper. 

The bishop. Will you maintain and 
set forward, as much as lieth in you, 
quietness, peace, and love, among 
all Christian people, and especially 
among them that are or shall be com- 
mitted to your charge ? 

Jlnsw. I will so do, the Lord being 
my helper. 

The bishop. Will you reverently 
obey your chief ministers, unto whom 
is committed the charge and govern- 
ment over you; following with a 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 97 

glad mind and will their godly admo- 
nitions, submitting yourselves to their 
godly judgments ? 

Answ. I will so do, the Lord being 
my helper. 

Then shall the bishop, standing up, say, 

k LMIGHTY God, who hath given 
-^- you this will to do all these 
things, grant also unto you strength 
and power to perform the same ; that 
he may accomplish his work which he 
hath begun in you, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



[After this the congregation shall be desired secretly in 
their prayers to make their humble supplications to God 
for all these things : for the which prayers there shall be 
silence kept for a space.] 



After which shall be said by the bishop, (the persons to 
be ordained elders all kneeling,) Veni, Creator Spiritus, the 
bishop beginning, and the elders and others that are pre- 
sent answering by verse, as follow eth: — 

7 ■ 



98 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, 
Jind lighten with celestial Jive. 
Thou the anointing Spirit art, 
Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart. 
Thy blessed unction from above 
Is comfort , life, and fire of love. 
Enable with perpetual light 
The dulness of our blinded sight ; 
Anoint and cheer our soiled face 
With the abundance of thy grace ; 
Keep far our foes, give peace at home, 
Where thou art Guide, no ill can come. 
Teach us to know the Father, Son, 
And thee of both to be but one ; 
That through the ages all along, 
This may be our endless song : 
Praise to thy eternal merit, 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

That done the bishop shall pray in this wise, and say, 
Let us pray. 

4 LMIGHTY God and heavenly 
-^- Father, who of thine infinite 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 9 9 

love and goodness toward us, hast 
given to us thy only and most dearly 
beloved Son Jesus Christ to be our 
Redeemer, and the author of ever- 
lasting life ; who, after he had made 
perfect our redemption by his death, 
and was ascended into heaven, sent 
abroad into the world his apostles, 
prophets, evangelists, doctors, and 
pastors, by whose labour and ministry 
he gathered together a great flock in 
all parts of the world, to set forth 
the eternal praise of thy holy name : 
for these so great benefits of thy eter- 
nal goodness, and for that thou hast 
vouchsafed to call these thy servants 
here present to the same office and 
ministry appointed for the salvation 
of mankind, we render unto thee most 
hearty thanks: we praise and wor- 
ship thee; and we humbly beseech 
thee by the same, thy blessed Son, to 
grant unto all who either here or else- 



100 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

where call upon thy name, that we 
may continue to show ourselves 
thankful unto thee for these, and all 
other thy benefits, and that we may 
daily increase and go forward in the 
knowledge and faith of thee and thy 
Son, by the Holy Spirit. So that as 
well by these thy ministers, as by them 
over whom they shall be appointed 
thy ministers, thy holy name may be 
forever glorified, and thy blessed 
kingdom enlarged, through the same, 
thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord : who 
liveth and reigneth with thee in the 
unity of the same Holy Spirit, world 
without end. Amen. 

When this prayer is done, the bishop, with the elders pre- 
sent, shall lay their fiands severally upon the head of 
every one that receiveth the order of elders ; the receivers 
humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the bishop saying, 

HPHE Lord pour upon thee the 
■*- Holy Ghost for the office and 
work of an elder in the Church of 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 101 

God, now committed unto thee by the 
imposition of our hands. And be thou 
a faithful dispenser of the word of 
God, and of his holy sacraments ; in 
the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost Amen. 

Then the bishop shall deliver to every one of them, kneeling, 
the Bible into his hands, saying, 

TPAKE thou authority to preach 
' the word of God, and to admin- 
ister the holy sacraments in the con- 
gregation. 

Then the bishop shall say, 

1%/TOST merciful Father, we be- 
^-*-"~ seech thee to send upon these 
thy servants thy heavenly blessings, 
that they may be clothed with right- 
eousness, and that thy word spoken 
by their mouths may have such suc- 
cess, that it may never be spoken in 
vain. Grant also that we may have 



1 02 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 

grace to hear and receive what they 
shall deliver out of thy most holy 
word, or agreeably to the same, as 
the means of our salvation ; and that 
in all our words and deeds we may 
seek thy glory, and the increase of 
thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our do- 
ings, with thy most gracious favour, 
and further us with thy continual 
help, that in all our works begun, con- 
tinued, and ended in thee, we may 
glorify thy holy name, and finally, by 
thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

TPHE peace of God which passeth 
-*- all understanding, keep your 
hearts and minds in the knowledge 
and love of God, and of his Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord; and the blessing 
of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, 



ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 103 

and the Holy Ghost, be among 

you, and remain with you always. 
Amen. 



*i£k [If on the same day the order of deacons be given to 
some, and that of elders to others, the deacons shall be first 
presented, and then the elders. The collects shall both be 
used: first that for deacons, then that for elders. The 
epistle shall be Ephes. iv, 7 to 13, as before in this office. 
Immediately after which, they that are to be ordained dea- 
cons shall be examined and ordained as is above prescribed. 
Then one of them having read the Gospel, which shall be 
St. John x, 1, as before in this office ; they that are to be 
ordained elders shall likewise be examined and ordained, as 
in this office before appointed.] 



THE FORM AND MANNER 



OF 



MAKING OF DEACONS 



[When the day appointed by the bishop is come, there 
shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring the duty and 
office of such as come to be admitted deacons.] 

After which, one of the elders shall present unto the bishop 
the persons to be ordained deacons, and their names being 
read aloud, the bishop shall say unto the people : — 

TmETHREN, if there be any of 
-■^ you who knoweth any impedi- 
ment or crime in any of these persons 
presented to be ordained deacons, for 
the which he ought not to be admit- 
ted to that office, let him come forth 
in the name of God, and show what 
the crime or impediment is. 

[If any crime or impediment be objected, the bishop shall 
surcease from ordaining that person, until such time as the 
party accused shall be found clear of that crime.] 



ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 105 

Then shall be read the following collect and epistle: — 

The ^Collect. 

4 LMIGHTY God, who by thy di- 
J -^ vine Providence hast appointed 
divers orders of ministers in thy 
Church, and didst inspire thy apostles 
to choose into the order of deacons 
thy first martyr, St. Stephen, with 
others: mercifully behold these thy 
servants, now called to the like office 
and administration; replenish them so 
with the truth of thy doctrine, and 
adorn them with innocency of life, 
that both by word and good example 
they may faithfully serve thee in this 
office to the glory of thy name, and 
the edification of thy Church, through 
the merits of our Saviour Jesus 
Christ, who liveth and reigneth with 
thee and the Holy Ghost now and 
forever. Amen. 



106 ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 

The Epistle. 1 Tim. iii, 8-13. 

T IKEWISE mffst the deacons be 
-*-^ grave, not double tongued, not 
given to much wine, not greedy of 
filthy lucre ; holding the mystery of 
the faith in a pure conscience. And 
let these also first be proved; then 
let them use the office of a deacon, be- 
ing found blameless. Even so must 
their wives be grave, not slanderers, 
sober, faithful in all things. Let the 
deacons be the husbands of one wife, 
ruling their children and their own 
houses well. For they that have 
used the office of a deacon well, pur- 
chase to themselves a good degree, 
and great boldness in the faith which 
is in Christ Jesus. 



ORDINATION OF DEACONS/ 107 

Then shall the bishop examine every one of those who are to 
be ordained, in the presence of the people, after this man- 
ner following : — 

J^kO you trust that you are inwardly 
moved by the Holy Ghost to 
take upon you the office of the minis- 
try in the Church of Christ, to serve 
God for the promoting of his glory 
and the edifying of his people ? 

Answ. I trust so. 

The bishop. Do you unfeignedly be- 
lieve all the canonical Scriptures of 
the Old and New Testament ? 

jinsw. I do believe them. 

The bishop. Will you diligently read 
or expound the same unto the people 
whom you shall be appointed to 
serve ? 

Answ. I will. 

The bishop. It appertaineth to the 
office of a deacon to assist the elder 
in divine service. And especially 
when he ministereth the holy com- 



108 ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 

munion, to help him in the distribu- 
tion thereof, and to read and expound 
the Holy Scriptures ; to instruct the 
youth 5 and in the absence of the elder, 
to baptize. And furthermore, it is his 
office to search for the sick, poor, and 
impotent, that they may be visited 
and relieved. Will you do this gladly 
and willingly ? 

Answ. I will do so, by the help of 
God. 

The bishop. Will you apply all your 
diligence to frame and fashion your 
own lives (and the lives of your fam- 
ilies) according to the doctrine of 
Christ; and to make (both) your- 
selves, (and them,) as much as in you 
lieth, wholesome examples of the 
flock of Christ ? 

Answ. I will do so, the Lord being 
my helper. 

The bishop. Will you reverently obey 
them to whom the charge and govern- 



ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 109 

ment over you is committed, follow- 
ing with a glad mind and will their 
godly admonitions ? 

jlnsw. I will endeavour so to do, 
the Lord being my helper. 

Then the bishop, laying his hands severally upon the head 
of every one of them, shall say, 

npAKE thou authority to execute 
-*- the office of a Deacon in the 
Church of God ; in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Then shall the bishop deliver to every one of them the Holy 
Bible, saying, 

rpAKE thou authority to read the 
-*- Holy Scriptures in the Church 
of God, and to preach the same. 

Then one of them appointed by the bishop shall read the 

Gospel. 

Luke xii, 35-38. 

I ET your loins be girded about? 
-■-^ and your lights burning, and ye 



HO ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 

yourselves like unto men that wait 
for their Lord, when he will return 
from the wedding, that when he 
cometh and knocketh, they may 
open unto him immediately. Blessed 
are those servants whom the Lord 
when he cometh shall find watching. 
Verily I say unto you, that he shall 
gird himself,, and make them to sit 
down to meat, and will come forth 
and serve them. And if he shall 
come in the second watch, or come in 
the third watch, and find them so, 
blessed are those servants. 



[Then shall the bishop proceed in the communion, and 
all that are ordained shall receive the holy communion.] 

The communion ended, ^immediately hefore the benediction 
shall be said these collects following : — 



A LMIGHTY God, Giver of all 
-^- good things, who of thy great 
goodness hast vouchsafed to accept 



ORDINATION OF DEACONS. HI 

and take these thy servants into the 
office of deacons in thy Church; 
make them, we beseech thee, O Lord, 
to be modest, humble, and constant 
in their ministration, and to have a 
ready will to observe all spiritual dis- 
cipline ; that they having always the 
testimony of a good conscience, and 
continuing ever stable and strong in 
thy Son Christ, may so well behave 
themselves in this inferior office, that 
they may be found worthy to be call- 
ed into the higher ministries in thy 
Church, through the same, thy Son 
our Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom 
be glory and honour, world without 
end. Jlmen. 

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our do- 
ings, with thy most gracious favour, 
and further us with thy continual 
help ; that in all our works, begun, 
continued, and ended in thee, we may 
glorify thy holy name, and finally, by 



112 ORDINATION OF DEACONS. 

thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 

npHE peace of God, which passeth 
-*- all understanding, keep your 
hearts and minds in the knowledge 
and love of God, and of his Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord. And the blessing of 
God Almighty, the Father, the Son, 
and the Holy Ghost, be among you, 
and remain with you always. Amen. 



THE END, 



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